For Vernon Simmons, a UDC junior and president of the university’s new Collegiate Black Male Network chapter, the network “creates community—you realize you’re not alone.” 

This September, the CBM Network chartered its first collegiate chapter, selecting the University of the District of Columbia as its home. The network has made a significant impact on the lives of Black male students across the country since its founding in early 2020. Simmons, who also serves as UDC’s Board of Trustees student representative, said the sense of belonging and accountability he has experienced has been pivotal to his personal and academic growth. “As Black men, we don’t always have a lot of role models,” he says. “We have to find a community that holds us accountable and helps us be our best selves.” 

Travis Henderson, a senior at UDC and vice president of the CBM Network chapter, echoes this sentiment. He, like Simmons, joined through the network’s Onyx25 program, which connects students from universities across the country. There, he was paired with a professional mentor whose support includes helping him prepare for the challenges of post-college life. “The mentorship and professional development aspects have been so helpful,” Henderson shares. “It’s given me the tools I need to succeed.” 

How Does the Program Work? 

Mentorship and professional development are key components of the CBM Network, with each member being paired with a mentor in their chosen field. Henderson explains, “We have people who help us develop both hard and soft skills. The alumni aspect is also huge—eventually, I’d love to become a mentor and give back what was poured into me.” 

Simmons adds, “The program meets you where you are and builds on the skills you already have. For example, I’m pretty good with time management—I’m on the men’s basketball team—but this program gives me real-world experience. And the best part is that it’s all student-led. We set our own agendas and meetings, and our advisors are just there to guide us.” 

Why the CBM Network Matters 

Both Simmons and Henderson agree that organizations like the CBM Network are as important as ever, including at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) like UDC. “UDC being the first CBM Network chapter in the District is a great step forward,” Henderson says. 

Simmons adds that the network plays a vital role in improving student retention. “CBM Network provides a support system for those who might otherwise feel like they don’t belong, for students who are struggling, or who feel like they don’t have a reason to stay in school.” 

The UDC chapter of the CBM Network includes members from every part of D.C., as well as Maryland, New York, Arizona, Atlanta and Jamaica. The range of backgrounds contributes to a rich, supportive environment where everyone can learn from each other. 

Advice for Prospective Students 

When asked what advice they’d give to young Black men considering UDC, both Simmons and Henderson offered words of encouragement. “Do it scared,” Simmons says. “Life will never line up perfectly. People wait until they have everything in order, but life doesn’t work that way. You just have to take a leap of faith.” 

Henderson builds on this idea. “I’d rather try something and fail than not try at all,” he says. “Advocate for yourself—there are so many opportunities I would have missed if I hadn’t spoken up. Don’t pass up chances because you’re too scared to ask.” 

Looking Ahead 

With passionate leaders like Simmons and Henderson, the Collegiate Black Male Network at UDC is poised to continue making a positive impact on the lives of Black men here and across the country. 

Both Simmons and Henderson see a bright future for UDC’s CBM chapter. “This program is something that should be implemented across HBCUs nationwide,” Henderson says. “It’s already making a difference at UDC, and I’m excited to see where it goes.”